Best Under Cabinet Range Hood Buying Guide 2022

Choosing a range hood for the under cabinet is a very difficult task because there are many different brands and models all competing for a place in your kitchen.

If you are like me, then you certainly want to buy the best under cabinet range hood available that delivers both excellent high airflow power and is till great value for the money.

Luckily for you, I’ve just completed examining over 30 different range hoods for under cabinet and settled 2 models as top picks in 2022!

The #1 model is Broan non-ducted under cabinet range hood.

With more then one thousand 5 star reviews at Amazon and with price usually bellow $70 (be sure to double check this as price can vary due to casual discounts), this is the best under cabinet range hood.

My second top pick is for those looking for high end model and ducted vent option. The BV under cabinet range hood with 800 CFM airflow power will surely satisfy even the most picky shoppers and those with higher budgets.

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Under Cabinet Range Hood Reviews

If you are looking for my detailed under cabinet range hood reviews then be sure to proceed bellow, because I have reviewed 9 different models and brands.

At the end of the page I am also sharing my ultimate buying guide with tips and tricks how to choose the best under cabinet range hood for your kitchen!

Ductless Range Hood Under Cabinet by Broan

Range hoods are essential for ventilation and odor removal from the kitchen.

Broan 413004 ADA is an under cabinet range hood which can be mounted above the range.

It’s a 30-inch ductless cabinet that requires no duct-work. 

Broan 413004 ADA is a Broan 41000 series under cabinet hood which is designed to provide an effective filtration system and match the interiors of a modern kitchen.

You can install a 75-watt bulb in the hood for lightning. The protective lamp lens distributes the light evenly under the hood.

The removable grease-charcoal filter is dishwasher safe. Its fan is designed to suck the air so that all the grease gets absorbed by the filter. You will also find control switches for light activation and to control the fan speed.

As Broan 413004 is a ductless undercabinet hood, don’t expect it to be as effective as a vented hood. However, it can save you the hassle of getting the ductwork done. It does not force the smoke out of your home through the duct system.

This hood is designed to filter the air and recirculate it back to your kitchen. It is not for you if you don’t want to clean the filters and want the smoke to go out of your house through a duct system.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

• checkBuild Quality. The range hood has been constructed using stainless steel, so you can expect it to last for years.
• checkDual-speed Fan. You can select the speed settings according to the type of cooking you are doing in the kitchen. If there is too much smoke in the kitchen, you can select the high-speed setting.
• checkGrease-Charcoal Filter. The grease-charcoal filter is installed to absorb the smoke and fumes before recirculating the air back to your kitchen. It is removable so you will be able to clean it.

If there is too much smoke in your kitchen, the grease-charcoal filter will not be able to do its job properly. The fan will recirculate the smoke back to the kitchen. Once you are done with the cooking and not producing more smoke. You will have to wait for some time and leave it turned on before the air in the kitchen becomes smoke-free.

Pros & Cons

• No ductwork required
• Highly durable
• Easy-to-remove filters

• It is not very efficient in keeping the kitchen smoke-free.
• You will have to clean the filters quite often.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a ductless range hood under cabinet, you can go for the Broan 413004 ADA. You don’t need a duct system in place for it to work but don’t expect it to perform at par with a ducted range hood.

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30 inch Under Cabinet Range Hood by BV

This 30 inch under cabinet range hood has been designed for those who need a high power cooking setting that operates at low noise levels. It offers the recommended stove-to-hood clearance for any kitchen setup.

The BV Stainless Steel range hood is a 30-inch ducted high airflow unit that comes with lights and baffle filters made of stainless steel material.

The entire unit has been made with parts that are easy to remove and clean. It provides an airflow of about 800 CFM and outputs about 3.6 sones when operating at maximum fan speed. Its ease of use makes it a perfect product for many users.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

Some of the features that come with this unit include:

• checkDucted stainless steel. This feature is located under the cabinet range hood and it ensures durability. The duct also helps in directing the smoke and odors outside of the kitchen.
• checkDual motors. The unit uses two motors which enables it to deliver high airflow of up to 800 CFM. Such a high rating makes it possible for faster venting of smoke.
• check3-speed fan. The hood comes with a push-button control that enables you to choose between three-speed settings. The highest speed setting can be used during the cooking session while the lowest setting can be set after cooking. This ensures proper ventilation in both the cooking and the eating spaces.
• checkLED lights. There is a 2-watts illumination assist that comes with this hood. The LED lights have been designed to perform at high intensity and with energy efficiency capabilities.
• checkBaffle filters. These filters have been made of the stainless steel material and they help in forcing the grease-saturated air to change direction repeatedly as it passes through. The use of stainless steel material makes it long lasting while the filter design helps in improving the air flow.

Pros & Cons

• The use of 18-gauge stainless steel makes it durable
• It is easy to separate the parts and clean them
• ETL and cUL certified
• You enjoy a 3-year warranty
• Quiet and efficient

• Requires more space to install because of its large size
• You have to keep up with some amount of vibration
• Relatively expensive

Conclusion

If you are a person who uses a high-powered stove for your cooking needs, then the BV 30-Inch Under Cabinet unit is worth your consideration. To begin with, it is a highly efficient model that can be installed under the cabinet. Secondly, it contains baffle filters made from stainless steel material that makes it durable

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36 inch Under Cabinet Range Hood by Cosmo

Cosmo COS-5MU36 is a 36-inch under cabinet range hood with an option to purchase a carbon filter kit.

It comes with three aluminum mesh filters to remove unwanted oil and grease from the air in the kitchen.

The mesh filters are dishwasher-safe, so you won’t have to clean them manually.

The fan has an energy-efficient 140-watt motor designed to perform optimally and cleaning the air efficiently. The 3 watt LEDs will illuminate your kitchen without consuming much energy.

The range hood operates silently and has an elegant design to match the interiors of most kitchens.  This model comes in 30” width also!

You can install them without worrying about the ductwork. The 140-watt motor is quite efficient in cleaning the air in your kitchen but without the smoke going out of your house, the kitchen won’t be entirely smoke-free.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

• checkPremium Stainless Steel Construction. 430-grade stainless steel construction ensures that the range hood lasts for years to come.
• checkMulti-layer Filtration System. The multi-layer aluminum filtration system traps the oil and grease efficiently. However, you will need to clean them regularly to get the optimal performance from the range hood.
• checkElegant Design. The range hood’s stainless steel body looks elegant and matches the interiors of the modern kitchens perfectly.
• checkEnergy Efficient Lighting. The 3-watt LED lighting system makes sure that the hood does not consume too much energy. It illuminates the cooking area perfectly and you can cook without turning the kitchen lights on.

Pros & Cons

• High-quality stainless steel construction.
• Filters the air efficiently and keeps the kitchen smoke-free even without a duct system in place.
• Noise-free operation and energy-efficient lighting system.

• You will have to clean and replace the filters on a regular basis.
• It takes a lot of time to clean the air if your kitchen is filled with smoke.

Conclusion

If you need a 36 inch under cabinet range hood, you can buy Cosmo COS-5MU36. However, you will be slightly disappointed with the performance if you have used a ducted range hood in the past.

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Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood

The Broan 423004 stainless steel under cabinet range hood is a great option for those looking ADA-compliant application for their kitchen. It’s ideal for vertical discharge installations.

This is a 30-inch range hood that features a stainless steel finish. It has black controls that give it a sleek polished look.

The airflow rating for this unit is 190 CFM which is sufficient enough to clear smoke and odors with an output rating of about 6.0 sones. With its 2-speed rocker fan, you can select between high and low-speed settings for a powerful or quieter operation.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

Some of its features include:

• checkDishwater-safe grease filter. This is an easy to clean filter that has been made from aluminum material to give you a cleaner indoor ventilation. The filter helps in preventing the buildup of grease that usually hinders the effective flow of air.
• checkTwo-speed rocker fan. The fan has been designed with materials that last long and requires low maintenance procedures. It also has two-speed settings of low and high. These settings can be chosen to provide you either quieter operation or a more powerful one.
• checkProtective lamp lens. The unit comes with a protective lens that facilitates uniform distribution of light. This lamp allows up to 75 watts bulb power without necessarily requiring a bulb.
• checkMitered sides. The 7-inch adapter has been included for convenience purposes while another 7-inch round allows for ducted installation. These features join forces to provide safety and decor-complementary look. If you need a damper, it can also be acquired separately.
• check190 CFM blower. In terms of performance, the range hood uses a blower of 190 CFM rating to be able to handle heavy venting jobs. This enables clearing of odors and smoke from your cooktop.

Pros & Cons

• Easy to clean and remove
• Made from high-quality materials
• Comes in a variety of colors and widths for wide applications
• High performance
• Affordable

• Requires you to purchase a bulb separately
• The use of grease filters affects the unit’s effectiveness
• Customers have complained about dents that occur during shipping

Conclusion

If you require a vertically-ducted hood that is of high quality and easy to install then the Broan 423004 is a good choice. This unit has the capacity to handle heavy venting jobs. It also combines hemmed bottom and mitered sides to ensure safety during use.

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48 inch Under Cabinet Range Hood

The AKDY 48 inch Under Cabinet Stainless Steel Kitchen Cooking vent with LED touch control is a great option for those who regularly cook on their stoves and want a superb vent and fan.

This product is one for you if you enjoy cooking often but also want your kitchen to stay looking it’s best.

This 48″ stainless cooking hood vent from AKDY is an under cabinet vent that is very modern and features LED touch control and has a stainless grate instead of mesh that makes it easy to clean.

It helps you to enjoy your time in the kitchen by providing a lot of ventilation and reportedly has a great clearing fan. It promises a 3-year warranty and comes equipped with LED Touch Display to make it even easier to see and use your stove.

This product is for you if you are regularly using your kitchen or if you want an underhood vent that is more attractive than others available on the market. Its modern design makes it a great addition to a newly remodeled kitchen You may want to steer clear of this model if you need something super light. This cooking vent weighs 82 pounds and can be a bit difficult to install, but the payoff seems to be well worth it. The dimensions are 22 x 47.2 x 11.6 so you will need to make sure that this will work for your space.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

• checkThis AKDY 48″ under cabinet cooking vent comes with a super powerful 530 CFM motor which helps to ventilate your area while you are cooking. This will keep your entire kitchen cleaner because it will help to reduce the amount of smoke and grease that goes onto your walls. This is definitely going to be helpful if you have an all-white kitchen or a kitchen with very high cabinets that can be a pain to clean. This powerful motor will also help you keep your kitchen cooler so if you already live in a hot area of the country getting this vent hood will help you stay cooler indoors, which could land you potential savings on your electricity bill.
• checkThe hood comes with Halogen lights and gives you significantly brighter light, which is especially helpful if you like to cook at night. This hood could be perfect for you if you have a hard time seeing or wake up to begin cooking before the sun rises.
• checkSince this hood comes with a 3-year parts warranty you will be able to know that you are protected in case you need to return it for any reason. If you’ve ever purchased a hood before that had issues, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that this company backs the product and will find a fixable solution to your issue, in case any of the parts are damaged or broken.
• checkSome people have found that this hood is a bit heavier than they expected and needed help with installation. This could be a something that you’ll want to consider and make sure that you have the appropriate resources and manpower to successfully install this vent hood.
• checkThe benefits of this hood including the brushed stainless steel, the powerful motor and the venting it provides, and the warranty. Your purchase will likely save you a bit of money in the long run, because you’ll be getting a beautiful product that will add value to your home and also save you some money in the long run by helping to keep your kitchen cleaner.

Pros & Cons

• Provides powerful ventilation with 530 CFM Motor
• Increases visibility with halogen LED lights, touch control
• Smaller, good for people with limited space
• Easy clean up with brushed stainless steel grated instead of mesh
• 3-year parts warranty

• Heavier
• Potentially more difficult installation

Conclusion

Overall this AKDY 48″ under cabinet stainless steel cooking vent range hood provides some great benefits to the homeowner. It’s a modern option that will likely increase the value of the home and help you save on cleaning and cooling costs down the road. We like the fact that it has halogen lights and touch control, making it easier to see at whatever time it is that you end up in the kitchen doing your cooking. The small size and powerful technology in this vent hood make it a real winner.

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42 inch Under Cabinet Range Hood

This 42 inch under cabinet range hood by Broan is a great product for those who desire a four-way convertible state-of-the-art performance from a range hood and are operating on a limited budget. It is an efficient unit that can be used to enhance your indoor environment.

The Broan F404204 is a 42 under cabinet range hood that is ADA compliant. This unit is easy to use and gives you multiple installation options because of its four-way convertibility feature. It comes with a simple toggle switch that enables you to operate the fan at either low speeds or high speeds. The max airflow for this unit is 190 CFM.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

This product comes with the following features:

• checkFour-way convertible. This feature provides the flexibility required to install this unit in multiple ways. The hood has been designed to fit various under cabinet applications and can be installed with either a horizontal or vertical ducting.
• checkAirflow. The maximum airflow rating for this unit can either be 160 CFM or 190 CFM based on the installation option. The 3.25 by 10-inch discharge option gives 160 CFM and outputs 6.5 sones for improved air circulation. The performance of the 7-inch round discharge is 190 CFM which enables faster removal of smoke and odors.
• checkAluminium grease filter. This unit uses aluminum filters which are easy to clean. These filters can be tossed in a dishwater and washed to ensure optimum performance and maintain their fresh smell.
• checkTwo-speed fan. The two-speed fan that comes with this hood can be operated at either high or low speeds. There is a switch that has been included to make the operation of this fan easier and convenient.

Pros & Cons

• It is an ADA compliant application
• The four convertible design allows for different installation options
• The use of aluminum filters makes it reliable
• The stainless steel housing makes it robust and long-lasting
• A quality product that is HVI certified

• The unit can be extremely loud
• The light bulb has to be purchased separately
• Its motor and CFM capabilities are relatively lower

Conclusion

If you need a great range hood that doesn’t require expensive or specialised light bulbs, then this is the way to go. Being a convertible unit, you can install it to adapt to many applications and its filter assemblies are easy to clean.

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Slide Out Range Hood Under Cabinet

The Broan 153604 is a slide out range hood under cabinet that is one of the best on the market.

It is a 36-inch model that is compact and blends well with any modern kitchen.

It has a clear glass visor which automatically turns on the fan and the light once it is slid out.

This is elite stainless steel range hood that is quiet, powerful, and fits well in any kitchen.

It is an ideal choice for those who desire sophisticated tastes and styling.

The Broan 153604 is a slide out range hood under cabinet that is one of the best on the market. It is a 36-inch model that is compact and blends well with any modern kitchen. It has a clear glass visor which automatically turns on the fan and the light once it is slid out.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

Some of the features that come with this unit include:

• checkCompact and trim styling. The range hood has a slim design that fits well in any kitchen style. Its compact design also complements well the contemporary kitchen. Its styling gives it the capacity to meet the high demands of a cooktop grill.
• checkDual centrifugal blower. This blower system is highly efficient and it provides superior air movement for the unit. The blower is HVI certified and has an airflow rating of 300 CFM and outputs about 4.5 sones.
• checkExclusive Heat Sentry. The feature helps in detecting excessive heat as well as turning the blower to a higher speed. The blower also has a memory which can be activated to enable automatic recording of the last selected setting.
• checkWashable foam filter. These filters help in for effective removal of odors and smoke. A 24-inch energy-efficient fluorescent light helps in providing the required lighting for this filters. This ensures proper working of the hood and gives you an indication when the filters need to be cleaned or replaced.

Pros & Cons

• The upfront location of the adjustable blower control makes it convenient to use
• Fluorescent bulbs are bright and economical
• Quiet and powerful performance
• Easy to clean
• Quality product that is quite durable

• It is expensive
• The installation process is not easy
• Some customers have complained about the slide-out glass having alignment issues

Conclusion

If you are looking for a slide-out range hood that has a brushed aluminum housing and one that can comfortably fit in your kitchen, then this is the right choice. One of the reasons that should inspire you to pick on this unit is its compact styling. Its high airflow rating also ensures optimum performance for your range hood.

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Black Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood

The Broan F404204 is a 42 under cabinet range hood that is ADA compliant.

This unit is easy to use and gives you multiple installation options because of its four-way convertibility feature.

It comes with a simple toggle switch that enables you to operate the fan at either low speeds or high speeds.

The max airflow for this unit is 190 CFM.

This is a great product for those who desire a four-way convertible state-of-the-art performance from a range hood and are operating on a limited budget.

It is an efficient unit that can be used to enhance your indoor environment.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

• checkFour-way convertible. This feature provides the flexibility required to install this unit in multiple ways. The hood has been designed to fit various under cabinet applications and can be installed with either a horizontal or vertical ducting.
• checkAirflow. The maximum airflow rating for this unit can either be 160 CFM or 190 CFM based on the installation option. The 3.25 by 10-inch discharge option gives 160 CFM and outputs 6.5 sones for improved air circulation. The performance of the 7-inch round discharge is 190 CFM which enables faster removal of smoke and odors.
• checkAluminum grease filter. This unit uses aluminum filters which are easy to clean. These filters can be tossed in a dishwater and washed to ensure optimum performance and maintain their fresh smell.
• checkTwo-speed fan. The two-speed fan that comes with this hood can be operated at either high or low speeds. There is a switch that has been included to make the operation of this fan easier and convenient.

Pros & Cons

• It is an ADA compliant application
• The four convertible design allows for different installation options
• The use of aluminum filters makes it reliable
• The stainless steel housing makes it robust and long-lasting
• A quality product that is HVI certified

• The unit can be extremely loud
• The light bulb has to be purchased separately
• Its motor and CFM capabilities are relatively lower

Conclusion

If you need a great range hood that doesn’t require expensive or specialised light bulbs, then this is the way to go. Being a convertible unit, you can install it to adapt to many applications and its filter assemblies are easy to clean.

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White Range Hood Under Cabinet

This is elite white stainless steel range hood that is quiet, powerful, and fits well in any kitchen.

It is an ideal choice for those who desire sophisticated tastes and styling.

The Broan 153604 is a slide out range hood under cabinet that is one of the best on the market.

It is a 36-inch model that is compact and blends well with any modern kitchen.

It has a clear glass visor which automatically turns on the fan and the light once it is slid out.

Features, Benefits & Drawbacks

• checkCompact and trim styling. The range hood has a slim design that fits well in any kitchen style. Its compact design also complements well the contemporary kitchen. Its styling gives it the capacity to meet the high demands of a cooktop grill.
• checkDual centrifugal blower. This blower system is highly efficient and it provides superior air movement for the unit. The blower is HVI certified and has an airflow rating of 300 CFM and outputs about 4.5 sones.
• checkExclusive Heat Sentry. The feature helps in detecting excessive heat as well as turning the blower to a higher speed. The blower also has a memory which can be activated to enable automatic recording of the last selected setting.
• checkWashable foam filter. These filters help in for effective removal of odors and smoke. A 24-inch energy-efficient fluorescent light helps in providing the required lighting for this filters. This ensures proper working of the hood and gives you an indication when the filters need to be cleaned or replaced.

Pros & Cons

• The upfront location of the adjustable blower control makes it convenient to use
• Fluorescent bulbs are bright and economical
• Quiet and powerful performance
• Easy to clean
• Quality product that is quite durable

• It is expensive
• The installation process is not easy
• Some customers have complained about the slide-out glass having alignment issues

Conclusion

If you are looking for a white slide-out range hood that has a brushed aluminium housing and one that can comfortably fit in your kitchen, then this is the right choice. One of the reasons that should inspire you to pick on this unit is its compact styling. Its high airflow rating also ensures optimum performance for your range hood.

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How to Choose the Best Range Hood Under Cabinet?

When you’re remodeling or building a kitchen, one important appliance you’d consider is range hood under cabinet. When you cook, the scents, smoke and particles released will continue to remain in the kitchen’s air for hours if there is no air filtration system.

What is a range hood?

A range hood, also referred to as vent hood, can move all that stuff out of the kitchen so you won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors or unhealthy smoke sticking around while or after you’re cooking.

Most homes these days have range hoods in their kitchens. They are affordable and make sense with different types of kitchen designs. The range hood is installed right over your stove and under your cabinets, usually spanning the length of the stove so it can easily capture all the smoke and heat as it rises and before it accumulates near your cabinets.

They’re very easy to install and cost much less than other types of vent hoods. Many of these are designed to be functional without drawing much attention, while others are more stylish catering to the taste of buyers.

Some models include ducts to transport particles and smoke out of the kitchen. Others come without duct (ductless versions) that recirculate the air back into the kitchen. Range hoods with ducts are more efficient, but may cost more and may need professional installation.

Why is good to have a range hood installed under cabinet?

Besides cleaning the air while cooking, range hoods provide many other benefits:

• checkYou get adequate lighting on the space you cook in, which helps in prep safety.
• checkThey help in keeping your kitchen area clean—if smoke accumulates or spreads, it will make your countertops and kitchen walls harder to clean.
• checkThey keep the kitchen area cool. Besides removing particles and smoke, they also remove excess heat from hot kitchens.
• checkIf your cooking space is not properly ventilated, there is a risk of carbon monoxide positioning due to its build up to dangerous levels. A range hoods reduces this risk by removing all such gases.
• checkQuick removal of smoke means there is no need to worry about the home’s smoke detector going off just because you’ve been cooking your meal.
• checkEven when you don’t cook your food that often, having a good range hood means increased value of your property-it’s one less thing future buyer will have to invest in.
• checkIf you do lot of frying, a range hood is an absolute necessity.

What does it mean when a range hood is convertible?

The convertible range hoods allow both ducted and non-ducted options. You can easily make the switch depending upon your needs.

How to pick a proper size for a range hood?

Size of range hood depends upon the surface area of your cook top. Though it’s not a requirement, but its generally best if they’re of similar size as it helps range hood in capturing almost all the smoke and dust particles that rise up the cooking area before they drift to the other areas of your kitchen.

Larger range hoods can be expensive, but if you’re buying one then extra is likely worth it. Range hood under cabinet should be able to fit into the space available under your kitchen counter.

Many models may stick out beyond the counter to approximately match the size of your stove. On the other hand, island and wall mount range hoods are only limited in size by how much space is available. It’s important to measure the space where you’ve plans to install your range hood so that you get dimensions right.

How many CFM power do you need for a range hood?

More powerful range hoods do a more effective job in your kitchen. If lot of heavy frying or cooking happens in your kitchen area, then it’s best to aim for a vent hood with sufficient power. Manufactures mention the power (in cubic feet per minute) you can expect from their range hoods.

Ductless rang hood models lack the same power as the ones that vent air outside the house. This is mainly because their operational efficiency depends on the air filter installed in them. They merely clean the air and re-circulate it in the kitchen area. And smaller models are not as powerful as larger ones.

What is the standard CFM for range hoods?

According to Home Ventilating Institute, it’s best to think in terms of at least 120 CFM per linear foot of range for usual range hoods that are installed against a wall, and about 160 CFM for all types of island vent hoods where vent hood is required to move the air further to get it outside, which explains why more power is needed.

Visit our other page with detailed CFM range hood calculation instructions.

How much does one range hood cost?

The simplest range hood under cabinet can cost you $150 and upwards without installation costs, while the most sophisticated ones will cost several thousand before installation. Larger hoods have more features and are stylish than small versions. Wall mount and island hoods are some of the some of the most expensive types available, while range hood under cabinet are usually the most affordable ones.

Most range hoods demand effective venting with the help of ducts that throw out smoke and dust particles outside. This entails high installation cost. The ductless models just re-circulate air after cleaning it using filters.

Are range hoods noisy?

Many vented range hoods are going to be loud, at least when they have highest settings. Some models are quieter than usual-they still make some noise, but definitely not as much.

If you get a chance to visit the showroom, you will get a feel on how quiet or lout a model is in person. If you can’t do that at your place, simply read customer reviews on what to expect from the range hood you’re considering.

Will range hood design fit into your kitchen?

Many basic range hood models occupy limited kitchen space and won’t interfere with its aesthetics, but if you’re interested in a hood that is beautiful and really adds some value to the space, you certainly can. High end range hoods have arresting designs that visitors will surely notice. In fact, insert hoods allow you to collaborate with our contractor or designer to come up with range hoods that look exactly the way you want them to.

If you’re not so much for the style, and just want something that works and isn’t too obvious, you can choose among many models (mostly under cabinet type) that easily fit the bill. But if you’re interested in range hoods that add some value to the visuals of the space, then some brands offer options that are likely strike your fancy.

How important is the fan speed of range hoods?

Most range hoods offer different fan speeds. You can turn the speed up higher whenever you’re doing some heavy duty cooking, or simply turn it to low if you want to avoid the noise of higher levels. It’s best to have couple of options, but usually three to four speeds are sufficient.

What does ducted or non ducted range hood mean?

As discussed above, range hoods can either be vented (with the help of ducts) or they are ductless, where their internal mechanism tries to remove as much food contaminants and smoke as possible with the help of filters.

Ducted vent hoods are much better than ductless versions, but they can be cumbersome to install and may cost you more upfront.

All those who live in buildings or apartments with restrictions that won’t allow them to install range hoods with ducts, ductless models is a only option. However, it’s important to replace their filters on time to maintain their efficacy. You will also have to clean your hood frequently.

Ducted range hood under cabinet may have aluminum filters to easily trap grease that you’ll have to take out and clean on regular basis. Most of these filters are dishwasher compatible.

Do non-vented range hoods work?

Unliked ducted models that vent air outside the house, the ductless range hoods come with a special fan (or a motor, blower) fitted with a charcoal filter that sucks up heat, particles, smoke, and smells, filters it, and then recirculates the air back into the kitchen. No ducting or changes in heating and ventilation system of your kitchen is necessary. They are also very easy to move and reposition anywhere.

Ductless range hoods are not as effective as vented range hoods in cleaning the air, but are cost-effective if ductwork has not been installed in your kitchen. All in all, having a ductless range hood in your kitchen is better than having none, but don’t expect the same performance as a ducted range hood.

Depending upon the features they can cost anywhere between $60-$1000.

Is it easy to install a range hood under cabinet?

Most vent hoods, particularly ducted ones need complicated installation. On the other hand, ductless models are easy to install without any professional help.

Here is our complete guide about range hood under cabinet installation.

What are other important features to look for when buying a range hood under cabinet?

• checkHeat Sensors — These sensors can automatically turn on the vent whenever the range hood senses excessive amount of heat.
• checkFilter light —Ductless hoods have a filter light that glows when it’s time to replace it.
• checkLights —Most range hoods come with lights that may have varying brightness levels.
• checkAutomatic Shutoff — This feature turns the vent off automatically after a certain amount of time.

Conclusion – Is it wise to invest in range hood?

Range hood can be a great addition to your kitchen that will go a long way in improving its functionality and looks. You have so many exciting options and should have no trouble in finding the best model that suits your needs and kitchen design.

Having a right range hood under cabinet will save you from doing more frequent cleaning, will keep your kitchen area from smelling, and will ensure you’re not forced to open all windows of your kitchen (or maybe your house!) every time you cook to avoid setting off your fire-alarm.

It’s a good investment for all those who aim to use their kitchen for cooking variety of dishes all that often. Isn’t that the whole point of a good kitchen?